Akron Makerspace

AMS Showcase: Ceramics

Up in the showcase today are some amazing ceramics pieces by AMS members Christina and Amelia. According to Christina:

“Amelia and I had a great time last weekend at a Raku workshop hosted by “Playin With Fire”. It was amazing to create one-of-a-kind pieces and spend time with really amazing artists. Thanks again to TylerM for extending the invitation!”

Nicely done!

To find out more, check us out at the AMS website or Discord server.

Power Racing Showcase: Team-Kart Build

The AMS Power Racing team has achieved a key milestone; our team-kart build is now moving and includes regenerative braking and handlebars salvaged from a bike! We selected some key components to make this happen including a Kunray 2000-watt electric motor and a Flipsky 75100 Pro V2.0 electronic speed controller (with aluminum PCB for heat management).

Of note, is that the Flipsky ESC can be programed using software from an open-source project (i.e., VESC). This allows settings, such as throttle response and remote monitoring via Bluetooth. Our next steps include setting up 3 LifePO4 batteries (48v, 30 Ah) that will include Bluetooth-enabled battery management systems. Stay tuned for details.

You can come see our team-build kart in action at The Rubber City Run taking place at the 4th Annual Akron Food Truck Festival at Hardesty Park (1615 W. Market St.) August 29th & 30th. Note: food trucks will not be available on the 30th for the grueling endurance race.

To find out more, check us out at the AMS website or Discord server.

AMS Showcase: Ceramics

Up in the showcase today are some great ceramics projects made by AMS members:

Photo 01: A ceramic bird sculptured by ErinV.

Photo 02: A cup made by ErinV. “I’ve used Mason stains quite a bit, essentially making a slip. I don’t follow a standard recipe but mix dry clay with + water to a paintable consistency, adding stain as I want for color. I’ve not had issues w sticking to kiln but i always use a cookie. It does stay kinda chalky on the piece til fired so you need to be careful, so it doesn’t spread. I left this one unglazed.”

Photo 03: Another cup by ErinV, along with some photography tips. “Without props or buying anything, make use of days with sun - and foliage / plants as background. Early morning and late afternoon are my favorite. If you have stands or friends with nice hands (not me) is ideal.”

Photo 04: A plate by Lee. “Probably a well-known combo already but honey flux over iron luster looks so good.”

Photo 05: A cup by Lee. “Amaco matcha matte shino! really love how it came out!”

Photo 06 & 07: A sculptured mushroom cap “test piece” by Lindsey who enjoys creating magical settings and homes.

Nicely done!

To find out more, check us out at the AMS website or Discord server.

AMS Showcase: Horseshoe Utility Knife

Uggla (aka Scott Anderson), the Maintainer of the AMS Blacksmithing Lab, has been experimenting with new projects. In today’s showcase are some prototype utility knives that Uggla forged from horseshoes. After forging the general shape, AMS member Adrienne took the rough knife, shaped the blade profile and put an initial edge on it.

Nicely done!

To view more of Uggla’s work, check out Uggla’s Night Forge on Facebook and Instagram!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1D6fA13tKN/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ugglasnightforge?igsh=bXgxZnl3b2JsZHpu

AMS Showcase: Wood CNC Engraving

When AMS member Chris wanted to engrave the borders of a chess board project he turned to Peter, the AMS Wood CNC maintainer. Not wanting to test the floral pattern on a nice piece of black walnut, Chris and Peter did a wood CNC run on a test piece.

The Wood CNC process is an involved one. First, a vector graphic was loaded into the Vetric VCarve Pro software where dimensions were checked, tool paths specified and the “G” code exported to a file. Next, the exported file was loaded into the Centroid Acorn software to control the CNC machine itself. Finally, the material (i.e., wood) was “set-up” on the CNC bed, the appropriate CNC bit installed and the actual engraving took place.

Multiple bits were used: An end mill was used for the roughing pass and a conical bit was used for the detail.

The test engraving turned out well! Good luck to Chris on his chessboard project!

To find out more, check us out on the AMS Discord server or the AMS Website.

Beat the Heat Showcase: DIY Solar Power

We all try to beat the heat. Some make 3D printed air conditioners. Others prefer a dip in the pool. AMS member Josh Morrow chose to beat the heat by harnessing the awesome power of the summer sun using solar technology.

Josh has set up a “solar shed” that serves double-duty as a solar lab and practical way to charge his battery powered fleet including an e-bike, scooter, multiple lawn mowers and any electrical device he’s got that runs under 500 watts.

Josh’s solar power system was built with the following technologies:

• Rich 200W solar panel
• Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100|20 charge controller
• 12-volt battery bank with two 12V 32Ah LiFePO4 batteries in parallel
• Samlex 12V 800W Pure Sine inverter

Nicely done!

To find out more, check us out at the AMS website or Discord server.

AMS Beat the Heat: 3D Printed Air Conditioner

If you’re looking for a creative and fun way to beat the heat, then look no further than Perry Cain’s 3D Printed Portable Air Conditioner! This portable AC unit is designed to run on an external battery with the “cold” provided by a 2-liter bottle of water frozen solid. The 3D printed components consist of a red and white base that houses a fan and a blue frame that holds the 2-liter bottle of ice in place.

Nicely done!

To find out more, check us out at the AMS website or Discord server.

The Rubber City Run

This coming August the AMS Power Racing Team will be hosting the Akron leg of the Power Racing Series at the 4th Annual Food Truck Festival, held at Hardesty Park. Power Racing competitors will be coming from eastern and central states will race electric karts for glory, moxie and fun! Mark your calendar for racing fun and great food!

The Akron Food Truck Festival is a free, two-day community event that features dozens of food trucks and the Cleveland Bazaar!

Please note, the Food Trucks will not be around on Sunday, August 30th for the grueling endurance race!

To find out more, check us out on the AMS Discord server.

4th Annual Akron Food Truck Festival!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1831034847614819

The Power Racing Series
https://www.facebook.com/powerracingseries